Message from Pastor Austin
YOU ARE SIGNIFICANT
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:28-31
“You matter.” These are the words every human longs to hear. We want to hear it from our spouses, our friends, our family, our teachers, our coaches, our co-workers and especially from our Lord.
Jesus is in the locker room with his players, giving them a pep talk. He wants to tell them what to expect, what is going to happen. And Jesus holds nothing back when He said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves ... (v16)." He tells His disciples that people will betray and persecute them.
But Jesus doesn’t talk about defense. He shows them the offensive strategy. Jesus tells them to never stop proclaiming the good news and to do so without fear. He then tells them they matter, and He uses a powerful illustration to do so. Jesus said that not even one of His little sparrows falls without His knowledge, and therefore, He knows exactly what is happening to His disciples - and they are much more valuable than a bird.
Our Lord loves His creation, and we are His favorite. The Apostle Paul says,
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
We are created in His image (Genesis 1:26). We are His wonderful handiwork and created to do good works to glorify Him (Ephesians 2:10). God tells us we matter, we are valuable, and we have a purpose.
Feeling like you have nothing to offer? Then hear the words of Jesus: “Don’t be afraid; you are worth more.”
Now look to the cross of Jesus where He proved just that.
In Christ, you are significant.
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This week we continue our sermon series titled, “Who I am in Christ.”
Week 1: I am Accepted
Week 2: I am Secure
Week 3: I am Significant
Weekly Affirmations
I am a created in God’s image.
Genesis 1:27
I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:6
I am God’s temple.
1 Corinthians 3:16
I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 2:10
I can approach God with freedom and confidence.
Ephesians 3:12
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
I am valuable and my Lord knows everything about me and cares for me.
Matthew 10:29
I am significant.
This week, may God’s peace be with you as you remember who you are in Christ ... You are Significant.
See you Sunday. I can’t wait!
Austin